OBJECTIVE:This study investigated the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract ofAnthonotha macrophylaleaves (AEAML) in female Wistar rats. METHODS:Thirty female rats were assigned into fi ve groups of six animals each, such that rats in groups A, B, C, D and E received oraly 1 mL of distiled water only, 5.7 mg/kg body weight (BW) of Exus Ginseng (a polyherbal formulation), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML, respectively. After 1 h of treatment, female sexual behaviour parameters were monitored for 30 min. Luteinizing hormone (LH), folicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E) and testosterone were also determined using standard methods. RESULTS:Six secondary metabolites were detected in AEAML with alkaloids (13.00 mg/L) being the highest. AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW signifi cantly (P<0.05) increased the darting frequency, hopping frequency, lordosis frequency, anogenital grooming, genital grooming and licking behaviour, whereas the darting latency, hopping latency and lordosis latency decreased (P<0.05) in a manner comparable with Exus Ginseng. The 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML increased (P<0.05) the serum concentrations of FSH, LH and E, like Exus Ginseng, whereas testosterone content was not altered (P>0.05). The 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML did not alter (P>0.05) the sexual behaviour parameters, serum FSH, LH and E contents, whereas testosterone content increased signifi cantly. The ovarian histology of the animals treated with Exus Ginseng, AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW revealed developing and ruptured folicles with numerous corpora lutea in the stroma, whereas the 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML produced fewer folicles and corpora lutea. CONCLUSION:The enhanced proceptive, receptive and orientation components of the female sexual behaviour by the 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML confers sexual invigorating potential on the plant. This study thus justifi es the folkloric claim of the plant as a female aphrodisiac.